Washington's Tulalip Resort Casino opens major casino expansion

The Tulalip Tribes celebrated the grand opening of a 70,250-square-foot expansion at Washington's Tulalip Resort Casino on Thursday. The event marked a major milestone for the Tribes as they continue to build on over two decades of success since the casino first opened in 2003.

The expansion adds 400 slot machines, bringing the casino’s total to more than 2,600. The new space also features a full-service bar with an outdoor covered and heated patio.

Construction began in January 2024, just two months after the Tribes announced the expansion in November 2023 to mark the casino’s 20th anniversary. Tribal leaders held a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring drummers and singers for about 50 invited guests before the public opening later that day. The cost of the expansion was not disclosed.

“It’s such a beautiful day that we are here together,” said Tulalip Tribes’ Chair Teri Gobin. “I’m so excited about this event. We’ve been working on this for a long time.”

Inside, the design reflects Tulalip heritage, with a ceiling fixture symbolizing water currents, nets, and fish. These elements will be expanded across the entire casino during renovations set to finish in late 2026. The casino and its restaurants will remain open during construction.

The Tulalip Casino first opened its doors on June 5, 2003, at a cost of $78 million, replacing a smaller gaming facility that was later renamed Quil Ceda Creek Casino. The addition of a 12-story hotel on August 15, 2008, prompted the casino’s rebranding as Tulalip Resort Casino.

According to Gobin, the resort casino employs about 3,000 people, while the neighboring Cedar Village businesses support an additional 4,500 jobs. The casino also plays a crucial role in funding essential services for the Tulalip community, including education, healthcare, and tribal government operations.